Udupi: The Dalit Rights Committee has lodged a formal complaint with District Collector Swaroopa T. K., alleging serious dereliction of duty by the Udupi Tahsildar in a case involving land encroachment and obstruction of access to a Dalit household in Pitrodi, Udyavara village.

Encroachment confirmed but no action taken

According to Sanjeev Balkur, district president of the Dalit Rights Committee, Taluk Surveyors had already confirmed the encroachment and submitted a detailed report with a map, proving that a government road leading to a Dalit family’s house had been blocked. Despite this, the Tahsildar allegedly failed to initiate any removal proceedings, effectively allowing the obstruction to continue and impacting the free movement of the affected family.

Call for justice and land allocation

In his appeal to the district collector, Balkur also demanded justice for Dalit families in Nad village, Byndoor taluk, who have reportedly been awaiting government land allotment for decades.

He urged the administration to reserve 50 percent of available government land in all villages across Udupi district for Dalits, citing long-standing socio-economic disadvantages and the need for affirmative action to uplift marginalised communities.

Leaders seek immediate intervention

The complaint was submitted in the presence of several prominent leaders, including:

  • CITU Udupi District Secretary Kaviraj

  • Byndoor Zone Building Workers’ Union President Rajiv Padukone

  • Dalit Rights Committee district committee leaders Nagaratna Nad, Ranganath Korangarapadi, and Nagaratna R.

  • Landless Dalit women from Nad village

    • The delegation urged the DC to initiate departmental action against the Tahsildar and ensure that the encroachment is removed without further delay.

    Conclusion

    The complaint highlights growing frustration over administrative inaction in sensitive land-related cases, particularly those affecting Dalit communities. The district administration is expected to review the allegations and determine whether disciplinary action or remedial measures are warranted.